Festive party season is on the horizon, and we’re all thinking about looking our best! Maybe you’ve got a new party wardrobe to flaunt or you might be breathing new life into your existing party collection- either way dress fit is important. Clearly, there’s only so much you can do to change your body shape, and that’s not really what we’re talking about. What these tricks are focussed on is playing to your strengths this party season. So whether you want to accentuate a slim thick, ballet body, or waif-like image, these dressing tricks will secure your look.
Optimising your assets
First things first – if you’re naturally curvy, there’s no point in trying to force your body into a waif-like shape. Similarly, if you’re naturally skinny all over, there’s only so much padding that’s feasible before things start looking incongruous. The key factor in looking amazing at a party is to highlight the best bits of your natural base shape. Whether that’s your curvy boobs, long legs, or shapely bum. We know that some days we all struggle to find bits we love about our bodies, but we’re here to tell you that it’s self love that makes us look stunning. Choose the right foundation and the right dress shape and we’ll all turn heads with the confidence that these things inspire!
Slim Thick
The slim thick look is based on a pert bum and boobs, and a visibly slimmer waist. There’s a toned nuance to this look so it’s one that comes from hard work at the gym! Dresses with a plunge neckline and wide straps mirror and frame a toned shape. If you have the basis of a slim thick look, highlight it with waist and bum focussed shapewear. Cinch your waist and lift your bum, making sure that your bra gives enough lift to provide balance. For this look, high waisted shaping shorts are ideal because they zip in your waist and panels provide lift to your bum from your upper thighs. They’ll also shape the tops of your thighs to give that overall more toned shape.
Waif
When we lack curves, the assumption can be that a woman is always in search of creating them. Instead, choose outfit shapes that hang well on your existing shape and concentrate on smoothing any interruptions to that sleeker silhouette. A shift dress always looks stunning on this body shape, especially in shimmery or sparkly fabrics. You can use a shaping cami to really optimise the smooth line here. If your dress straps are too skinny, you may be able to go bra-less with some high waisted control briefs, or for extra security choose a bandeau shaped bra.
Ballet Body
This is a current body trend which is a bit of an evolution of the supermodel shape of the late ‘80s with extra muscle! If you’ve not been doing the New York City Ballet workout for the last 3 years then you won’t be the only one. Essentially, this shape is one which is pretty moderate. It’s a little bit curvy, a little bit straight, and all about moderation. So for most of us, it’s about smoothing the lines of our existing shape. Choose a party dress with sleeves if your upper arms are a worry, and keep your shape streamlined with a full shaping bodysuit. Don’t forget that part of the ballet body fashion trend is one of romanticism, so if your shape is naturally moderate, experiment with a full, floaty skirt in sheer fabrics. This line hangs really well from a stable core, so a bodysuit or cami is the ideal foundation.
Bombshell
Harking back to 1950’s glamour, a classic bombshell look is a bit like slim thick but without the bicep curls! It’s a softer, fleshier shape which still celebrates curves. This body shape really suits strapless lines or plunge necklines with a cinched in waist and a straight skirt. A high split skirt works well for this shape so just be careful if you’re planning on long line shaping shorts in case they’re visible. For a really accentuated shape, go for a corset as foundation or even as outerwear! The hourglass corset line is absolutely synonymous with a bombshell style so why not celebrate your corset by showing it off!
Party season means dancing, so don’t forget to size your shapewear correctly and invest in dressers tape to keep it from budging. Find out more about preventing roll up or roll down here. When you’re dressing for party season, remember that your best accessory is your confidence, so make the most of your assets and don’t try to be a different person. Be you with added sparkle!
Becky is a content manager who writes informed industry based articles for businesses and consumers. She’s written for Elle Courbee on women’s issues and fashion for a number of years.
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